Defiance

You don’t have to be a super hero to be defiant. Sometimes it’s just a matter of standing straight and walk with your head held high. A small action can be just as powerful as a big one. Small Action x Many People = Power And Change.

Many Jews are afraid to wear anything religious, like a kippah or a Magen David, in public. Quite understandable considering the rise in anti-Semitism in Europe. Wearing a religious symbol that reveals that you are Jewish, immediately puts you in danger.

When I lived in Sweden I used to wear my Magen David all the time. The more people told me to hide it, the more I showed it. Silly perhaps, but that’s just the way I work. “I’m not going to hide, I’m not going to be quiet – I’m living in a democracy goddamn it!”

When I moved to Israel, I didn’t feel the need to wear it as often. After all, I live in a Jewish State. I don’t need to make a statement, I don’t need to be defiant – I can just be. If I wear it, it’ll be because it’s a beautiful necklace, that’s it. Many of my native Israeli friends smiled about this and said: “Yep, that’s what happens when Jews make Aliyah!”.

With the recent terror attacks though, I once again feel the need to be defiant and to take a stand. I’m not going to hide or stop living out of fear of being shot, stabbed or attacked in any way. So I’m wearing my Magen David again, and I added the outline of The State of Israel to my necklace.

I suggest you do the same. Wear it! It’s a subtle AND beautiful way to flip your finger to all the haters out there.